Dining Out

10 Dishes You Have to Try at a Latin American Restaurant

Posted by Bronwyn Hope on March 3, 2016

South American cuisine is a broad term that blankets all the diverse regional foods across the continent. From patatas bravas to ceviche, all of these dishes are packed with bold flavours, vibrant colours and the freshest ingredients.

Courtesy of @glutenemy

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Arepa from Arepera du Plateau (Montreal, QC)

<p>Arepas are flat, round patties made of corn. They're often split in half, then stuffed with cheese or avocado to make sandwiches like this version from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/areperamontreal/timeline" target="_blank"><strong> Arepera du Plateau </strong></a>.</p>

Courtesy of @foodgressing

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Causa from Chicha Restaurant (Vancouver, BC)

<p>Causa is the ultimate summer side salad. It's made from yellow potatoes blended with oil, lime juice and aji Amarillo, then layered with a variety of fillings. At <a href="http://www.chicharestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><strong> Chicha Restaurant </strong></a> , their causa is stuffed with smoked sturgeon and avocado, perfectly stacked and topped with caviar.</p>

Courtesy of @coupleeatsfood

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Ceviche from Guaca & Molé (Montreal, QC)

<p>Ceviche is made from raw fresh fish cured with an acidic marinade, commonly lemon or lime juices, and spiced with chili peppers. It's popular in coastal Latin countries, typically made with fresh scallops, shrimp, octopus or tuna, like this one from <a href="http://guacaetmole.com/" target="_blank"><strong> Guaca &amp; Molé </strong></a>.</p>

Courtesy of @agustina_pol

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Empanadas from Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria (Winnipeg, MB)

<p>Empanadas are a stuffed bread or pastry that resemble a turn-over or hand pie. Also referred to as pasty or pastel, empanadas are filled with meat, cheese and vegetables, and then fried or baked to golden perfection, just like these from <a href="http://www.corrientes.ca/" target="_blank"><strong> Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria </strong></a>.</p>

Courtesy of @miss_foodie

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Fugazza from Charbar (Calgary, AB)

<p>Fugazza is the Argentinean version of foccacia, typically seasoned with olive oil, salt and herbs. At <a href="http://www.charbar.ca/#argentinian-food" target="_blank"><strong> Charbar</strong></a>, they top their fugazza with their signature Truffled Pig Head Mortadella and pistachios.</p>

Courtesy of @yvrbcbro

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Lomo Saltado from Chicha Restaurant (Vancouver, BC)

<p>Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian dish of marinated steak tossed with onions and tomatoes, and served over fried potatoes. This mouth-watering version from <a href="http://www.chicharestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><strong> Chicha Restaurant </strong></a> is made with local beef from Pemberton Meadows.</p>

Courtesy of @mi2short

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Pupusas from Tacos El Asador (Toronto, ON)

<p>Pupusas are similar to tortillas and are made from masa harina (corn flour) or rice flour. They're often stuffed with meat, beans or cheese, like these pupusas from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tacos-El-Asador-133881776631722/timeline" target="_blank"><strong> Tacos El Asador </strong></a>.</p>

Courtesy of @goatsrsexy

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Yuquitas from El Inka Deli (Burnaby, BC)

<p>Yuquitas are very similar to French fries but are made with South American yucca (or cassava). These yuquitas from <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/el-inka-latin-deli-burnaby" target="_blank"><strong> El Inka Deli </strong></a> are served with a spicy aji dipping sauce.</p>

Courtesy of @jamkimchi

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Patatas bravas from Ox and Angela (Calgary, AB)

<p>Patatas bravas are a common Spanish tapa consisting of fried potatoes served with a spicy sauce or aioli. At <a href="http://oxandangela.com/" target="_blank"><strong> Ox and Angela</strong></a>, they top their patatas bravas with a spicy ketchup and citrus aioli. </p>

Courtesy of @naaaaaki1321

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Churros from Barrio Coreano (Toronto, ON)

<p>Churros are a delicious fried dough snack often dipped in chocolate or caramel sauces, or café con leche. <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/barrio-coreano-toronto" target="_blank"><strong> Barrio Coreano</strong></a> puts a Canadian spin on their churros by serving them as a churro poutine, loaded with a marshmallow caramel “gravy."</p>